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House and Garden Articles (25)

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Most recent posting below. See other articles in the column to the right.

How To Care For A Garden Pond

March 26, 2008 By Derek Rogers

A garden pond is a truly lovely feature to have. Many people enjoy sitting in their garden, relaxing and watching the fish swim through their pond. It's a great thing to do in order to clear your mind and just have a little 'down time.' But, how do you truly care for your garden pond in order to ensure a long time of enjoyment from it? Here are some great tips that will tell you how to do just that.

Pumps and Filters

One of the most important things you can do to keep your pond up and running is to purchase a pump and filter which can be purchased easily, either online or at most aquatic centres. This is also extremely important if you have fish in your pond. Without a pump and filter, which cleans and keeps the water moving, your pond water will become dirty, full of algae and bacteria and stagnant. A pump moves the water, constantly recycling the water that is in the pond, while the filter cleans the water and ensures that the water is clear and a happy habitat for pond fish. The most important part of the filters job is to act as a mini sewage system for the pond. In simple terms the media within the filter creates a huge surface area, which becomes home to many millions of helpful bacteria.

Without a pump and filter, some fish will die. Koi fish are a good example of fish that really need the perfect environment to live.

Surface Issues

Another way to care for your garden pond is to ensure that all leaves, branches or twigs are promptly removed from the surface of the water. Many times people place their ponds in backyards or gardens that have trees and shrubs. When you do this, the wind can easily blow debris into your pond. Ensure that your fish are happy and cozy and that your water stays clean by removing this debris. You can utilize a net in order to do this, but most people simply scoop it out with their hands.

Water Change

After the winter, it is usually recommended that pond owners to a partial water change. This will remove the stale, sometimes dirty and murky water and replace it with cleaner, healthier water. You shouldn't remove all of the water in your pond. Most people do about 20% to 50% in order to maintain a clean and healthy pond. Simply ensure that you do not damage the fish when you do your water change. Always leave enough water for them to swim comfortably in and so they will not get lodged on rocks or other objects in the pond and be above the surface of the water.

Taking care of your pond is very important if you plan to enjoy it for a long time. Most people put a lot of time and money into getting their ponds in the first place, so utilizing these tips and ideas for caring for your pond will help you protect your investment.

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